Cyber security experts helping charities
The Avenue announced on social media late last week that it was closing its doors for the final time after nine years of feeding the town’s folk.
In a lengthy post on its Facebook page, The Avenue, which was run by Alan McCann, stated: “We opened in July 2013 on a shoestring budget and helped by friends and family.
“We quickly established ourselves as a popular and new addition to Wishaw Main Street at a time when the Streetscape project was running behind.
“We persevered, tried new things and made lots of new family members along the way – both customers and staff! The Avenue Family.
“Things were going great and then two years ago, COVID happened.
“Being honest, the first year was great for us.
“Deliveries were the staple with everybody being at home and it kept us going.
“Fast forward a year and along came rising costs associated with Brexit and COVID such as stock, utilities, packaging and more.
“We weathered the storm until most restrictions were lifted but at what should have been the best time for us, more energy increases, war in Ukraine pushing costs up even further due to imported ingredients (flour and oil) and with a lower footfall in the town, the time has come to stop struggling, stop stressing and start getting our lives back.
“This has not been an easy decision to make and not one we ever envisaged having to even contemplate. But, unfortunately with all factors taken into account there doesn’t appear to be any other viable options.
“We would rather go out on a high on our terms, than be forced into closure and financial ruin.”
The closure of The Avenue is a further blow to the town centre just a week after it was confirmed
Lidl would be moving its store from its current base in Roberts Street to a new site near the Heathery roundabout on the outskirts of the town.
The Avenue’s post thanked a whole host of current and former staff members, adding: “We are so
A Lanarkshire cyber security business is aiming to help local charities protect themselves against cyber attacks.
Ascent Cyber was founded by Stephanie Hill, from Wishaw, and business partner Matt Ridley, from Lesmahagow, in 2019 while they were studying at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Three years on, the company is still going strong and aims to help as many people as possible protect themselves against cybercrime.
Now, Ascent has teamed up with a number of industry professionals as part of the Scottish Tech Army to offer support to charities that may not fully understand the risks of cybercrime.
The Scottish Tech Army was founded in 2020 at the start of Covid, when millions of people had to change the way they work and do things.
Stephanie said: “The Scottish Tech Army is a team of IT specialists.
“At the start of Covid, many of us came together to offer support to businesses and charities who maybe need support within IT.
“At Ascent, we focus on cyber security and help people stay protected within the world of cyber and IT.
“It is a growing issue and cybercrime can affect proud of you all.
“You will always be family and we will always be grateful for your contributions and the memories!
“So many of you have went on to do wonderful amazing things and my heart bursts when I see your achievements!” anyone so it’s important to understand how to protect yourself.
“When we started the business at university we wanted to change the way people see businesses like ours and be a lot more approachable to people who maybe don’t have a great understanding of the IT sector.
“We have been recognised for our customer support too, winning best customer support at the Scottish Cyber Awards in November.
“We were up against some big competition so it was great to be recognised as a small company.”
As well as helping people look after their cyber security, Stephanie and Matt are also helping prepare the next generation.
Lecturing at New College Lanarkshire, where both first met, they help deliver the Cyber Essentials scheme.
This allows students to volunteer and helps businesses have a more robust security approach.
Stephanie said: “Going back to the college where we first met while studying is a real honour and a privilege.
“We do some lecturing and hopefully inspire the next generation of cyber security workers.
“The lecturers have been great with us and offer lots of support. We are really thankful for all their help.”